How do I count characters in my text?

Include all letters, spaces and punctuation marks. Most word processors show character count in the status bar or under File > Properties. For quick estimation, multiply word count by 5.5 (average English word length plus space).

How wide are calligraphy characters?

Average character width varies by script: Italic is about 55% of x-height, Foundational 60%, Uncial 70%, Copperplate 45%, Gothic 50%. These are averages — individual letters like m and w are wider, while i and l are narrower.

What margins should I use for calligraphy?

Traditional margins follow the 2:3:4:6 ratio (inner:top:outer:bottom). For A4, try 20 mm left, 25 mm top, 25 mm right, 30 mm bottom. The bottom margin should always be the largest for visual balance.

How do I centre text on the page?

Write each line on layout paper first and measure its length. Then calculate the starting position as (line width - text width) / 2 + left margin. Or use a centring guide line and write outward from the centre.

What if my text does not fit on one page?

You can reduce x-height, tighten interline spacing, narrow margins, or use a larger page size. The calculator shows pages needed, so you can adjust inputs until you achieve a single-page layout.

ArtCalcs

Text Layout Calculator — Fit Text to Your Page

Calculate how much text fits on a page with your chosen nib size and spacing.

Total Characters

Letters, spaces and punctuation

X-Height

Page Width

A4 = 210 mm

Page Height

A4 = 297 mm

Left Margin

Right Margin

Top Margin

Bottom Margin

Script Style

How We Calculate This

How Text Layout Calculation Works

Characters per line = Line width / Average character width

The calculator divides the writable line width by the average character width for your script to find characters per line. Total characters divided by characters per line gives total lines. Lines divided by lines per page gives pages needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Nib Width Calculator

Calculate the correct calligraphy nib width for your desired x-height and script style. Covers Italic, Foundational, Uncial and more.

Line Spacing Calculator

Calculate x-height, ascender, descender and interline spacing for calligraphy scripts. Get exact measurements for ruling up your paper.

Ink Volume Calculator

Estimate how much calligraphy ink you need for a project based on character count, nib width and x-height. Includes waste allowance.

Guideline Calculator

Generate precise calligraphy guideline measurements for any script and nib size. Get ascender, waistline and baseline positions.

Letter Spacing Calculator

Calculate optimal letter, word and sentence spacing for calligraphy scripts. Covers Italic, Foundational, Copperplate and Gothic.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.